NBA Bans Donald Sterling for Life, Fines Him $2.5 Million [VIDEO]

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has imposed a lifetime ban on Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling following the racist comments he made on a phone conversation with his girlfriend.

"I am banning Mr. Sterling for life from any association with the Clippers organization or the NBA," said Silver.

Additionally, Sterling was fined $2.5 million and the league will attempt to force him to sell the team. It is the harshest punishment the NBA could levy on the 80-year-old real estate tycoon, who has owned the Clippers for 30 years. Sterling now cannot attend any Clippers games or appear at any Clippers facility and has been removed from any decision-making role in the organization.

Forcing a sale of the team is a tricky maneuver, requiring the approval of three-quarters of the league's owners, but Silver says he has their support. "We stand together in condemning Mr. Sterling's views," Silver said. "They simply have no place in the NBA. This league is far bigger than any one owner, any one coach and any one player."